Early Times Report
SRINAGAR, July 15: Saying that two full years in J&K have witnessed a boom in the arrival of Tourists and Yatris in Jammu and Kashmir, Minister of State for Industries and Commerce, Tourism and Home, Mr. Sajad Ahmad Kichloo has said that all the packages and incentives announced by the Government in last year’s Budget for promotion and expansion of this sector shall continue for the current fiscal also so that the gains of the tourist boom are consolidated. Inspecting the upcoming tourist infrastructure in the picturesque Sonamarg Bowl, Mr. Kichloo said that the present Government has enhanced flow of funds for building basic tourist infrastructure in Sonamarg since 2007 and from being a small transit Camp for Ladakh traffic, it has now extended up to 25 Kms area starting from Gagan Gir up-to Ball Tal-Base Camp for Amarnathji Yatris. He said infrastructure has come-up in Sonamarg in the shape of a spacious Yatri Niwas, International youth Hostel, Rs.2 crore Tourist Reception Centre (TRC), having Banking facility and information Centre, and an ideally located Sonamarg club at the Thajiwas which conforms to the requirements of high end tourists. The club has a Conference Hall, Health Club, Cafeteria, Restaurant and Rooms. He said the Sonamarg is now fast emerging as a major tourism destination at par with Pahalgam and Gulmarg. The Chief Executive Officer, Sonamarg Development Authority, Mr. Mohammad Yousuf briefed the Minister about future plans to exploit the adventure tourism potential of the area and said way side amenities and recreation points have been constructed for the convenience of the tourists and a beautiful camping sight has been set-up in the Sonamarg Bowl which remains abuzz with tourist activities. “About 12000 persons from the local areas earn lively-hood by providing various services to the tourists which include Ponny wallas, Cart drivers, Taxi operators tourist guides and way side vendors”. |
